An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  Darcy."

  Darcy shook his head. "Please, call me Darcy."

  "Then call me Bennet."

  Darcy nodded in acknowledgement and took the seat proffered by the elder

  man.

  "How is Pemberley these days?"

  "Very well," Darcy replied, "it has not changed much."

  "And your sister?" Mr. Bennet inquired.

  Darcy smiled tightly. "She is well. She stays with me at Netherfield, but was unable to visit today. She is most anxious to be acquainted with both you and Miss Elizabeth again."

  Mr. Bennet chuckled. "I suspect that to be a half truth. She can have little interest in seeing an old man, though I will believe you if you say she is

  anxious to see Lizzy."

  Darcy bowed his head in acknowledgement of the elder man's observations.

  "What about that George fellow?" Mr. Bennet asked innocently, "the son of your father's steward."

  At the mention of Wickham, Darcy's visage darkened substantially.

  "Wickham's father died a year after my own. Unfortunately, George did not turn out much like his father," Darcy said. "I have not voluntarily associated with him for many years."

  Mr. Bennet looked askance at the young man, curious at his grim reaction.

  "May I infer he did not take the clergyman's living left to him by your father then?"

  Darcy suppressed the urge to snort derisively. "No, he did not. He indicated, shortly after his own father passed, he had no intention of taking orders.

  Instead, he expressed an interest in law and asked for the amount of the living.

  I readily granted him a lump sum of three thousand pounds, happy to wash my hands of him."

  Mr. Bennet nodded thoughtfully. He assumed there was more to the tale, based on the vehemence in Darcy's tone, but decided not to press the matter, at least not at this time. "I cannot say I am all that surprised. I always considered him a little too smooth for the cloth." He shook his head amusedly. "I never did understand how he got you to take the blame all those times."

  Darcy's eyes widened in shock. "You knew?" He was somewhat relieved. He had thought he was the only one who had seen through George's amiable

  façade.

  Mr. Bennet could not but chuckle. "My Lizzy always told me the full story later. Did you never wonder why some of your punishments were suddenly

  commuted or mitigated?"

  A faint blush suffused Darcy's cheeks and for a moment he felt like a young boy being called to the carpet. "I must confess, sir, I was generally too relieved to think on it too deeply."

  Mr. Bennet chuckled again. "As most boys your age would. Your father knew the truth about George, but he always hoped age and education would mature

  him."

  Darcy nodded thoughtfully at the information and new perspective Mr. Bennet offered. He had always thought his father had a blind eye where George was

  concerned. Now he knew that to be untrue. He wondered if his father also

  knew of the gambling debts and women. He had assumed not, as he highly

  doubted his father would have left him a living as a clergyman if he had; and was pained at how disappointed his father would be if he knew the whole truth.

  At the same time, he was relieved to know his father was not completely blind.

  He also came to a new understanding of his father's love for the boy. George truly was like a son to his father, and he had never given up hope for him.

  Mr. Bennet and Darcy continued to converse for another quarter hour about

  Hertfordshire and the surrounding area, Darcy's opinion on it, and news of the family.

  Darcy then adjourned to the drawing room, anxious to speak with Elizabeth.

  Their friendship was still tenuous, and he needed reassurance before

  reintroducing Georgiana.

  When he entered the drawing room, he was pleased to notice most of the others were preparing for a stroll in the gardens. He took note of Bingley and sighed quietly to himself; Bingley could hardly take his eyes off Miss Bennet.

  As they stepped outside, Mary headed directly to a stone bench and promptly opened her book. In a matter of mere minutes, she was oblivious to the rest of the party. Elizabeth smiled again as she watched Bingley lead Jane to another

  bench and begin talking again amongst themselves. They were completely oblivious to anyone around them.

  Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, which was accepted, and the two strolled leisurely through the garden. "Did you enjoy your conversation with my father, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, evidently put out.

  "I did," Darcy answered, amused at her use of the formal appellation. "We talked mostly of Pemberley and family." When Elizabeth said nothing, Darcy asked, "You are not too angry you were not invited to stay, were you?"

  Elizabeth looked down at the ground, unwilling to own to the childish

  behaviour, causing Darcy chuckle. "I suppose I should not be. It is only that we have not seen each other for so long, and I am curious to hear all that has happened."

  Darcy patted the hand that held his arm. "There is plenty of time for catching up."

  Elizabeth nodded, feeling a bit more assured their friendship would be

  rekindled. "May I ask how Miss Darcy fares? I was surprised she did not accompany you today."

  "Georgiana is quite shy. I was uncertain on the length of my discussion with your father and did not want her left alone and uncomfortable."

  "You are a very kind and thoughtful older brother. Were I to have been so fortunate," Elizabeth teased.

  "Were you so deserving!" Darcy countered, laughingly. "You cannot feign innocence with me. You earned every trick played on you."

  At this, both laughed and then let out contented sighs.

  It had been months since Darcy had laughed. He marvelled at how quickly

  Elizabeth had lifted his spirits, and was amazed at how everything felt so right again. He knew if Georgiana would confide in Elizabeth, she would help her

  conquer her current depression. If nothing else, Elizabeth would help him, and he could in turn help his sister. He could not bring it up yet, it was still too early. Eventually though, he would.

  Noticing the late hour, and knowing Georgiana was awaiting his report, Darcy called to Bingley and they took their leave. Prior to leaving though, they gave their assurances to return the following day with Georgiana.

  Elizabeth spent the following morning in excited anticipation. She felt like a child waiting for Father Christmas, and could only laugh at herself. She had thought her next meetings with Darcy would be uncomfortable, but yesterday it was as if there had never been a separation. They were teasing one another and talking about anything and everything.

  Soon a carriage bearing the Darcy crest pulled up in front of the house. The party entered, and the gentlemen were greeted. After some curtsies and bows, everyone's attention was drawn to the young girl who had been standing

  timidly behind Darcy. She stepped out and suddenly exclaimed "Elizabeth!" a little louder than propriety permitted. Georgiana strode quickly over to

  Elizabeth who was chuckling. Then, as if suddenly remembering her manners,

  Georgiana dropped her eyes and blushed as she gave a proper curtsey. "Forgive me, I mean Miss Bennet," she uttered so quietly Elizabeth had to strain to hear her.

  Darcy was stunned at his sister's outburst. She had never reacted like that, even before last summer. Realizing Georgiana was now embarrassed, and hoping to

  prevent her from retreating into her shell, he put a supportive hand on her shoulder and quickly performed the introductions. For him, anything other than Georgiana's usual demureness was an improvement, even a mild breach in

  decorum.

  "Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to see you again after so many years!" Elizabeth exclaimed, trying to make light of the girl's outburst. She had not expected Georgiana to remember her, much less with so much enthusiasm. "But please, call me Elizabeth
as you used to." She was pleased to see Georgiana seemingly recover from her outburst.

  Georgiana looked up with a small smile. "Then you may call me Georgiana."

  She briefly shifted her focus to Jane. "You may as well, Miss Bennet."

  Jane smiled, "Thank you Georgiana, and you should feel free to call me Jane."

  Remembering Darcy's words on Georgiana's shyness, Elizabeth searched for a

  topic that would draw the young girl out. After inviting Georgiana to sit next to her, Elizabeth said, "You must tell me all about Pemberley now. It has been many years since I last visited. Has it changed much?"

  Georgiana looked to her brother, then back to Elizabeth. "It has not changed much." She gazed at her hands while she quietly added, "I was still young when last we met."

  Elizabeth nodded, realizing Darcy had not exaggerated when he said Georgiana was shy. She wondered if this was a recent development; she did not recall

  Georgiana being shy as a child, but then again, she always saw her at

  Pemberley. Attempting to sooth the young girl's anxiety, Elizabeth commented,

  "As was I." With a quick glance to Darcy she added, "As well as your brother."

  She then leaned close to Georgiana and in a loud whisper inquired, "Tell me, Georgiana. Does your brother still steal girls' bonnets?"

  "Lizzy!" Jane scolded her teasing sister.

  Georgiana looked incredulously at her brother as a blush suffused her face.

  "Fitzwilliam would never do that!" she exclaimed quietly.

  Elizabeth laughed aloud. "Oh but he did, and more than once!"

  Georgiana looked at her brother, still in shock. She could never think of him doing something so improper. In awe, she exclaimed, "You stole Elizabeth's bonnet?"

  Darcy flushed from head to toe into the deepest colour red. He glared at

  Elizabeth who was grinning smugly. He was uncertain he approved of

  Elizabeth's tactic for drawing out his sister, but he could not complain with results. At least she has only told one of the more innocent tales. "I stole Miss Bennet's bonnet a few times when we were very young." Darcy said, trying to defend himself against the worst. With a disgruntled tone, he added, "It appears Miss Bennet will have her revenge on me yet."

  Elizabeth laughed. "I could not have the world, much less your own sister believe you to be without fault, sir. Not with so much evidence to the contrary."

  Darcy audibly groaned. The response was more for the benefit of his sister, than an expression of his actual feelings. Whatever Elizabeth's ploy, it was working, and thus he decided to play along. "Very well. But I will ask you to leave me with a little dignity. I am still Georgiana's guardian."

  Georgiana giggled, a sound that warmed Darcy's heart. "Do not worry, Brother.

  You will always remain the best of brothers to me." With another tinkle of laughter, and perhaps even a sparkle of mischief, she added, "But I would very much like to know what you were like as a boy."

  Jane took pity on Darcy and said, "Lizzy, be kind to Mr. Darcy, lest I decide to tell everyone here of some of your escapades."

  Elizabeth stuck out her chin. "I am not afraid of you, Jane." she declared defiantly.

  Jane leaned over and whispered quietly, "Then I shall tell them about you hiding Easter dinner in your room."

  At her sister's statement Elizabeth's eyes grew wide and she gasped. "I was four!" She still could not restrain a deep blush that reached the roots of her hair.

  She knew her sister would make good on her threat, so with a disgruntled sigh, she said, "Very well, Jane." She turned towards Mr. Darcy with slightly narrowed eyes. "You are safe for now, Mr. Darcy. You should be most grateful to my sister."

  Darcy nodded slowly, a manner Elizabeth knew well. She would not escape

  telling him what Jane had whispered. With any luck though, she could put it off until they could speak more privately and keep her antics a secret from Mr.

  Bingley and Georgiana.

  Changing the subject, Elizabeth inquired more after Pemberley. "How is Mrs.

  Reynolds?"

  Georgiana smiled. "She is well. Her daughter recently had a little girl. It is all she can speak of."

  "My congratulations to her then." Moving onto another topic, Elizabeth inquired, "Do you still play the pianoforte, Georgiana? You were only just learning when I last saw you."

  Georgiana beamed. "I do. Mrs. Annesley, my companion, assists me. I practice nearly every day. Fitzwilliam is always buying me music."

  Elizabeth smiled at Darcy and then back to Georgiana. "I would dearly love to hear you play."

  Georgiana paled. Alarmed, Elizabeth looked to Darcy, who explained,

  "Georgiana is not yet secure in her proficiency, and does not like to perform for those outside the family."

  Elizabeth smiled and gave Georgiana's hand a comforting squeeze. "You do not have to play now, but perhaps we could find a moment alone before you return to Pemberley and you could play for me then. Maybe we can find time for a

  duet, though you will have to suffer my fumbling."

  To Darcy's surprise, Georgiana agreed. "Netherfield has a very nice

  pianoforte," Georgiana offered. "Perhaps you could come to tea?" She looked pleadingly to Darcy, who only nodded his approval.

  "I would like that very much."

  Satisfied with the arrangements, the three of them continued in conversation about Pemberley, Lambton, and the Derbyshire area. Much to Darcy's delight, Georgiana appeared happy and spoke very animatedly with Elizabeth. It was

  almost as if the girl of the last three months had disappeared. He could not have asked for a better reunion. He set to thinking about the best way in which to thank Elizabeth. She had worked a miracle, and he would be forever grateful.

  Not long afterwards, the Netherfield party stood to leave, and as the others had hardly acknowledged their departure, Elizabeth and Jane took it upon

  themselves to see the guests out.

  The ride back to Netherfield from Longbourn was unusually quiet. Georgiana

  sat across from Darcy and Bingley, fidgeting with her gloves. Darcy was

  curious to hear her impression of Elizabeth, but her demeanour betrayed little; she was a Darcy after all. Finally, he caught her eye. She smiled broadly, and then dropped her eyes to her gloves once again. Darcy's heart leapt for joy.

  Georgiana was happy; he had seen a sparkle in her eye, and then the smile. He was certain she would burst if they did not speak soon.

  His mind began trying to determine when and where to speak with her. He

  knew she would not say anything in front of Miss Bingley, nor would he want her too.

  They alighted from the carriage, and Darcy whispered in his sister's ear, "I will be in my rooms." Georgiana nodded slightly and then took her leave.

  Twenty minutes later, there was a light knock on the door to his sitting room.

  "Come," he said.

  Georgiana stepped in, and the moment the door was closed, her pent up

  excitement poured forth. "She is just as I remember, Fitzwilliam! She is so kind and friendly! I like her very much! Thank you for introducing us again."

  Darcy chuckled at his sister's enthusiasm. "I think you like Miss Elizabeth because she told you wretched stories of me," Darcy retorted.

  Georgiana laughed. "Oh, I did quite enjoy those stories. But that is not the only reason I like her. She is a very kind person, and so sincere; not like the others.

  Her sister is very nice as well. I would love to be as pretty as Jane. I am not surprised Mr. Bingley fancies her."

  "Indeed." Still smarting from being the object of Elizabeth's teasing, he added,

  "Though I think I would prefer Miss Elizabeth to be a little less kind in the future." This brought a new wave of laughter from his sister.

  Darcy's heart swelled. He had not heard his sister's laughter all summer. Even if Elizabeth had publicly scorned him, it was worth the trip to Hertfordshire ju
st to hear his sister laugh again.

  "When may I see her again? Do you think Miss Bingley would invite her to tea?"

  Darcy contemplated how to broach the sensitive topic. It would show poor

  breeding to speak ill of their hostess. Still, he knew Elizabeth was the last person Miss Bingley would want at Netherfield, and he needed to convey that to his sister. "Miss Bingley does not share our opinion of the Bennets. I do not think she will favour that invitation, but I will speak to Bingley. Else, I will speak with Miss Elizabeth and arrange something."

  Georgiana opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again. She knew

  Miss Bingley had her hopes set on her brother, and she did not like it. It was not her place to say anything though, especially after last summer. Instead, she only smiled and said, "Thank you, Fitzwilliam. You are the best of brothers."

  Darcy watched Georgiana leave his room. He had not seen her so enthusiastic about anything since before Ramsgate. He smiled, knowing he had at last

  found the cure for last summer.

  There was still the little complication of Miss Bingley though. He had to find ways for Georgiana and Elizabeth to meet without that lady's presence. Perhaps he could use Bingley's latest infatuation to his advantage. He knew Miss

  Bingley did not approve of her brother's choice. That was reason enough to

  encourage calling on Longbourn rather than inviting the Miss Bennets to

  Netherfield. He would speak to Elizabeth about it.

  Chapter Four

  The following morning, Elizabeth readied herself for her morning

  constitutional. As she exited the house, she frowned at the gloomy sky. She would have to remain close to the house, lest it begin to rain. A walk along the creek will have to do, she thought with a sigh.

  As she set out, she was not entirely surprised to hear a horse and rider nearing.

  Nor was she surprised to discover the rider was Darcy. They had met a few

  times in the mornings, though most often at Oakham Mount to watch the

  sunrise.

  "Good morning, Li'l Beth," Darcy greeted cheerfully.

  "Good morning, Fizzy."

  "Do you not ride in the mornings?" Darcy asked, seeing she was yet again on foot. At Pemberley, the two had often ridden out in the morning, and he